Sabtu, 03 Mei 2008

When T-Mobile shelled out more than $4 billion for spectrum licenses in September 2006, it looked like the fourth-largest U.S. mobile phone service provider would soon deliver a robust 3G UMTS cellular network across the nation.

The debut of the Advanced Wireless Services-based network was originally expected in 2007. Now, after numerous delays, the formal announcement is finally expected any day.

"We have not yet made any additional announcements. We will issue a press release with updates," said a T-Mobile spokesperson when asked this week to comment on reports of an imminent unveiling of the network.

However, TmoNews.com, an unofficial blog covering T-Mobile, has been displaying an internal T-Mobile memo describing the companys launch of the service in New York City this past Thursday. Thursday has come and gone, and there was no announcement. T-Mobile hasnt commented on the memo.

Most major U.S. markets will be covered by the network by the end of the year, including areas ranging from New England to Florida and from Southern California to Seattle, according to the memo.

"In this early phase of our network evolution, 3G is a new technology for carrying wireless voice calls and supporting data capabilities on our network," the memo states, noting that the company currently offers four handsets capable of accessing the network. The report added that additional handsets will be announced later.

While the announcement cited in the memo didnt materialize immediately, T-Mobiles German parent and Nokia made a joint announcement Friday in Europe and in the United States about their new plans to collaborate in European markets.

The companies said their collaboration in broadening offerings in online personal social networks is mainly aimed at Europe, but the partnership could easily be extended to T-Mobiles U.S. markets where the two have cooperative partnerships.

"For T-Mobile customers," according to the companies announcement, "Nokia will customize its devices to provide a dedicated suite of T-Mobile services, which will be seamlessly integrated to Nokia devices. Similarly, T-Mobile customers can access Nokias Internet services, such as music, maps, and games, through their Nokia device, which will offer T-Mobile customers a great opportunity to enjoy best-in-class services."

See original article on InformationWeek.com

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